Cousins! Just a few weeks before the beginning of the school year, Drexel University has announced the tragic passing of one of their student-athletes following the discovery of a lifeless body within an on-campus apartment!
According to CBS News, Terrence Butler had sadly been found dead in his apartment early Wednesday morning on August 2nd. An official autopsy report indicated that he passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.
Students and faculty members have recognized Terrence as being a thriving athlete with a promising future. He is said to had been entering his junior year within the College for Engineering and power forward on the men’s basketball team.
A small ceremony was held on the night of Terrenceβs passing to honor his legacy. Students tell the outlet that since the tragic incident there has been a gloomy and saddening mood felt across campus.
βOn behalf of the entire Drexel community, we extend our deepest sympathy to Terrence’s family, friends, and teammates,” said Drexel president John Fry in an issued statement. “In addition to being a student-athlete, Terrence was involved in numerous activities and organizations at Drexel and was a friend to many throughout the University community.”
Reports read that Terrence had played in eight games in the last two seasons as power forward for the Dragons. A series of injuries are said to have affected his on-court appearances.
The 6 foot 7 player had earned a spot on the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll for both seasons. As a high school student, Terrence was honored as a McDonald’s All-American recipient in 2019 and named Most Valuable Player at Bishop McNamara in Forestville, Maryland.
“We hope that all in need of healing can find solace in the days ahead,” Fry wrote.
“Chill, laid back — he was good at basketball,” Onuchukwu said. “I used to play basketball with him at the DAC just a cool guy. If you would know him and meet him you would never know something was going on.”
CBS reports that Drexel’s Counseling Center is available to help provide support to students as well as the Drexel community.
Cousins, if you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). CBS News Philadelphia also has a list of mental health resources.